Sunderland sign Steven Pienaar

The Black Cats have signed the South Africa star.

Sunderland have completed their fourth signing of the season, with signing of trailist Steven Pienaar.

Resigning an old face

Pienaar follows on from Papy Djilobodji, Donald Love and Paddy McNair as new manager David Moyes, looks to bolster his squad ahead of the transfer window slamming shut at the end of the month.

The South African midfielder will be a very familiar face to the Scottish manager, with Moyes bringing Pienaar to England from Borussia Dortmundduring his Evertondays.

Pienaar has spent the last nine years in England, with both Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, before being released by the Toffees this summer.

The 34-year-old joined the Black Cats on trial period, along with Charles N'Zogbia, but unlike the Frenchman, has been given a one-year contract and is expected to be thrown into the squad for Sunday's derby with Middlesbrough.

Knows what he will bring

The Black Cats have a few injury concerns ahead of the clash Aitor Karanka's side, especially in their midfield.

Injuries to Sebastian Larsson, Lee Cattermole and Jan Kirchoff all absent. But Moyes believes that Pienaar is a good addition, and can improve the play of full-back Patrick Van Aanholt.

"Steven is someone who will help us keep the ball better," said Moyes, and is firm in the belief: "He has been a great player and he made Leighton Baines when he was at Everton and will do a lot for Pat, help him join in, get forward and get crosses in."

He is adamant that, "If he does that job then he will be very good for Pat."

Moyes told the press at the Academy of Light, "He also gives us a little bit of experience, we have just lost a few players for a bit of time."

He concluded,"He is only here on a one-year contract and we will give him every opportunity to show if he is as good as he was in his early days."

Sunderland will take on Middlesbrough at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, August 21 with kick-off at 1:30pm BST.